John Stones is caught between a rock star and a hard face, one arm pulled by the most forceful personality in English football and the other by his manager, whose fury at the situation says everything about the promise of this 21-year-old.

Roberto Martinez is not a man prone to frequent outbursts; neither is Everton's manager the constant source of warmth that is sometimes portrayed. But it was fascinating nonetheless to see the anger in his reaction to Jose Mourinho's public seduction of Stones.

'Another football club is making such a statement in the press so openly,' Martinez said. 'I don't think that is the way we would do it at Everton.

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John Stones in action against Arsenal in pre-season amid the uncertainty over his future at Everton

Stones is embraced by Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, who is incensed over Chelsea's advances

Chelsea supremo Jose Mourinho is hell bent on snapping up Stones to build his future defence around

'We wouldn't speak about a player that is at another club and there is no issue from our point of view; John Stones is an Everton player, full stop. We are not a selling club in that respect. There is nothing to speak to John about. I always speak with the players, but there is nothing to comment about.'

Except Stones is quickly becoming a recurring subject. A talent like his cannot be ignored.

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Chelsea made a £20m bid last Friday and are expected to return with a £26m offer imminently. The ultimate trigger point, if Everton do cash in, is likely to be a fee in excess of £30m, which would make Stones the most expensive English defender in history.

To Mourinho, there is value for money in a player who cost Everton just £3m when David Moyes brought him over from Barnsley in 2013.

The bare numbers are extremely impressive. Quite aside from the fact he has played 82 club games and four for England before his 22nd birthday – which does not arrive until next May – he generated statistics that indicate he is the real deal.

Stones will look to replace Chelsea stalwarts Gary Cahill (left) and John Terry, both in pre-season training

The 21-year-old is seen a potential starter for England at Euro 2016 and as a future captain of the national side

In 23 Premier League games last season, he had a near identical pass completion rate to John Terry and exceeded Gary Cahill, managed more tackles and interceptions than both and was only equalled by Terry for aerial duels. Numbers are limited in what they divulge, particularly as an Everton defender can expect to be busier than one in the Chelsea backline, but the fuller picture is no less compelling.

He is the 6ft 2in blocker, but more than that he plays with tremendous elegance. In an interview earlier this year, he explained his ambitious hope to develop his style into a combination of Terry and Rio Ferdinand, saying: 'I'm trying to get that mixture. I think from last season to this season there's been a big difference and definitely that mixture between smooth passing and tough defending is going to be a good recipe for my game. I'm still learning little things but I've definitely brought the more 'dirty' side into my game now which every defender needs.'

Stones aims to be a mixture between Terry and Rio Ferdinand, pictured in his prime for Manchester United

Martinez is a big fan of Stones, trying to sign while boss at Wigan, but the then-Barnsley star chose Everton

Martinez also sees a leader in Stones' personality. Interestingly, when Everton got Stones for song, Martinez, then at Wigan, was the most determined of the rival suitors, making multiple bids before Moyes won the battle.

'I think John has got that sort of 'leader' character and probably an Everton character,' Martinez said towards the end of last season. 'He's got an incredible belief in what he is as a footballer, and humble enough to learn every day.'

Martinez also described him as the best centre half of his age in Europe. It is surely only a matter of time before he is established as an England regular, considering the weaknesses of Roy Hodgson's defence.

It remains to be seen who will be paying his club wages when that day comes. If it is Everton, Martinez can reflect on an extremely successful summer. If it is Chelsea, Terry and Cahill will have real cause to look over their shoulders.

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John Stones is worth megabucks bid from Chelsea... the stats say he tops John Terry and Gary Cahill